Day 5 – Alpine Panorama Trail

8. September 2015

climbing: 350 meters

descending: 1000 meters

Climbing the “Rettenbachjoch”

It turned out that the big climbs of the day were always in the morning. I personally think this was good because I still had lots of energy and was rested from the night. Today we would hike from the Braunschweiger hut to the village of Vent partway on a well-known alpine panorama trail. In Vent would be our second hotel overnight stop on this trip. First we had to climb up to the “Rettenbachjoch” and the reward was a long descent on one of the most beautiful panorama trails in the European Alps.

During winter season the “Rettenbachferner” is a famous ski area. “Ferner” is an Austrian word for glacier. What seemed to be a fun place for winter tourists was very shocking for the whole group. With only a little snow all the skiing facilities looked like scars in the landscape. Especially after we had seen the natural beauty of the alpine environment for days.

Ski area at the Rettenbachjoch in summer

Hiking the Alpine Panorama Trail

From the ski area of the “Rettenbachferner” we had to get to the neighbor glacier “Tiefenbachferner”. To get there we had to go through a tunnel that is very narrow and can’t be used by hikers. Therefore we hopped again on a bus that drove us through the tunnel and to the start point of the alpine panorama trail. The trails crests along the mountainside and leads from Soelden (very popular for skiing!) to Vent providing some stunning views over the Stubaier and Oetztaler Alps.

Resting with the locals

We all enjoyed the stunning views of the alpine panorama trail on our way to Vent. We were lucky to have blue sky and the brightest sunshine. Very often we took a break to sit in the sun and enjoy the views. We even met some “locals” when we hiked towards a very clear and colorful mountain lake. Another good place for a rest!

The "locals" - some sheep in the mountains

Our hiking group resting near the alpine panorama trail

Switchbacks down to Vent

In total the alpine panorama trail to Vent took us about 4 hours. Especially the last bit was hard. Our goal was right in front of our eyes while we had to hike countless switchbacks down the mountain. In the end I was very happy when we arrived at the local hotel that was meant to be our home for the night. After some coffee and Austria’s famous apple strudel we checked into our rooms and got comfortable. The next day would start again with a climb so it was a good idea to take an early rest.